Painting contractors may not be responsible for a building’s structure, but their work directly affects its appearance and value. Even with good safety practices, painting jobs can generate costly workers’ compensation claims — particularly for accounts that are difficult to place. Novatae Risk Group offers a specialized Non-Standard Workers Comp Insurance program tailored to painting contractors, including high-risk, previously declined, or otherwise non-standard accounts.
Offered through our partnership with Empire Underwriters, this program addresses the needs of non-standard risks — from contractors with elevated experience modification factors to those turned away by the standard market. If your client has had coverage lapses, adverse loss history, or is transitioning off a state fund or assigned risk pool, Novatae helps you move the account quickly and efficiently.
Program Highlights
- Pay-As-You-Go workers’ comp to lower up-front cash requirements
- No premium deposit required
- No premium audits, simplifying administration
- Improved client cash flow and predictable premiums
- Proactive loss control and risk management resources
- Efficient, fair claims handling
- HR support services (unemployment claims, garnishments, COBRA, etc.)
- Full-service payroll with tax remittance and compliance (941s, W-2s)
- Option for clients to issue payroll checks in-house
- ASO (Administrative Services Only) and Non-PEO options
- PEO / employee leasing option also available
- High-retention product with continuous coverage until canceled
Ideal Accounts and Underwriting Appetite
- Painting contractors exiting state funds or assigned risk pools
- Accounts non-renewed or canceled by standard carriers for high exposure or prior losses (X-Mods between 1.3 and 3.0)
- Clients with prior coverage but facing cancellation because of heavy losses
- Accounts with lapses in coverage or no prior insurance history
- Risks with tough class codes, challenging loss histories, or adverse underwriting profiles
- Accounts with manual rates from roughly $8 to $50+ and elevated X-Mods
Submissions must meet at least one of these criteria to be considered for the PEO program. Accounts that have viable standard-market options or are simply rate-shopping are not appropriate for this product.
Submission Requirements
- Completed ACORD 130 application
- Class-specific supplemental form (available on our website)
- Three years of loss history
- Loss History Affidavit for accounts with no prior or lapsed coverage
- Explanation for any claims exceeding $20,000
- Experience Mod worksheet
Territories and Market Access
This program is available in most states (over 45), including AL, AK, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, NY, TX and many others. Markets and carriers vary by state, and we can place business in both admitted and non-admitted markets depending on the state and risk profile.
Why Work With Novatae Risk Group?
As a Managing General Underwriter and E&S broker, Novatae Risk Group combines deep underwriting expertise with wide market access to place challenging workers’ compensation risks. Our relationship with Empire Underwriters provides real underwriting authority, flexible options, and responsive service. We understand the exposures common to painting contractors — from ladder and scaffolding exposures to slip-and-fall and lead/chemical concerns — and deliver placement solutions that agents can rely on.
Need a Non-Standard Workers Comp Insurance quote for a painting contractor?
Send a submission to [email protected] or call 800-758-8113 to speak with an underwriter today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of painting contractor accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for accounts with prior losses, high experience mods, coverage lapses, or those exiting state funds or assigned risk pools.
Is prior coverage required to qualify?
No. Accounts with no prior coverage or a lapse in coverage may still be eligible if they meet other underwriting criteria.
Can I submit risks from any state?
The program is available in over 45 states. Please refer to the full list to confirm eligibility in your client’s location.
What documentation is required to submit an account?
You'll need an ACORD 130, class-specific supplemental form, three years of loss history, a loss affidavit (if applicable), and the experience mod worksheet.
What makes Novatae Risk Group a strong partner for this coverage?
Novatae offers deep underwriting expertise, access to both admitted and non-admitted markets, and a flexible program that addresses the unique needs of high-risk painting contractors.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.